Did you know there’s a U.S. penny so rare it could fetch over $2 MILLION—but owning one might actually be illegal? 
This is the fascinating story of the mysterious 1974 Aluminum Cent, a coin that was never supposed to leave the U.S. Mint.
Why Is the 1974 Aluminum Cent So Valuable?
Here’s why this tiny coin is considered priceless by collectors:
Ultra-Rare Prototype – Only 10–15 examples are confirmed to exist
Mint’s Failed Experiment – Tested as a cheaper replacement for copper pennies
Government Property – All were supposed to be destroyed in 1974
Certified Example – The only PCGS MS65 graded coin is valued at $2M+
Fun Fact: The Smithsonian Institution holds two legal specimens—the rest are considered government property.
The Forbidden Coin Paradox
| Status | Implications |
|---|---|
| Legal to Own? |  No – still U.S. government property |
| Auction Value |  $200K – $2M (if legal) |
| Last Known Sale |  2016 private deal for $1.1M |
| Confirmed Legal Examples | Only the Smithsonian’s 2 coins |
How to Spot a Genuine 1974 Aluminum Penny
If you ever think you’ve found one ( remember it’s illegal to own), here are the telltale signs:
1. Metal Test
Lightweight – just 0.93 grams (vs. 3.11g for copper)
Non-magnetic
Makes a “tinny” sound when dropped
2. Design Features
No mint mark (struck in Philadelphia)
Slightly weak strike (since it was only a test coin)
Dull gray finish – no copper color
3. Provenance Matters
All surviving examples came from Congress or Mint employees
No legal circulated coins exist
The Social Media Buzz
“ THIS PENNY COULD GET YOU ARRESTED! 
The U.S. Mint ordered them destroyed, but a few escaped:
Worth up to $2 Million
99.9% of “1974 aluminum cents” online are fakes
Only 2 examples are legal (Smithsonian’s collection)”
Drop a in the comments if you’d keep hunting for one anyway! 
The Smithsonian’s Two Coins
- Specimen #1 – On public display at the National Numismatic Collection
- Specimen #2 – Stored in the Mint’s vaults as a control piece
Fun Fact: A 1974-D Aluminum Cent doesn’t exist—Denver never struck them!
Why Do Collectors Risk It?
Despite the legal risks, collectors still dream of finding one:
Rarer than the legendary 1913 Liberty Nickel
Huge historical significance as America’s last experimental penny
Surrounded by mystery & black-market rumors of Mint employees sneaking them out
Final Thoughts 
The 1974 Aluminum Cent is one of the most fascinating coins in U.S. history. While you probably won’t ever find one in circulation, the story behind it captures why coin collecting is so thrilling—it’s about history, rarity, and a little bit of mystery.
Reminder: If you ever come across one, you could face federal seizure since it’s technically government property. But hey, dreaming about a $2M penny doesn’t cost a thing!
